ARMISTICE DAY

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 42, 12 November 1921, Page 10

ARMISTICE DAY

AN IMPRESSIVE TWO MINUTES The third anniversary of Armistice Day was solemnly observed in the Empire City by a complete cessation of all activity or movement in schools, streets, shops, warehouses, offices, factories, and workshops for two minutes from 11 a.m. yesterday.' There was never a doubt apparent as to the sober impressiveness of the interval of silence set aside as a mark of respect for all who were killed or suffered in the Great War. In the majority of cases male pedestrians in the street removed tbeir hats and stood still as the G.P.O. clock 'boomed out its first note. In an instant the whole world seemed to remember! The trams pulled up in unaccustomed places along the tracks, motor-cars and taxis ceased to whirl, the chatter of the market place died away, and “all the air a solemn stillness held.” It was ns though a Great Presence had pronounced a holy benediction, and its tranquillity had entered men’s hearts. Doubtless such a feeling {lid permeate and refine the breasts of many, as in a flash their thoughts reverted to the deed of deathless valour of many a Greatheart who had “gone West,” in the struggle for freedom and civilisation.

On the steps of a bank building one man was seen leaving the premises when the clock struck 11. Though he had one foot on one step and the other on another, it was nc-iiced that he never moved throughout the Great Quiet. Tho solemnity of the occasion struck 90 per cent, of the people in the street —and presumably these hidden from view—in the same manner. Glancing along the ; symmetrical bead of Lambton Quay the scene gave the suggestion that some petrifying agent had suddenly worked its will on mankind. In some instances tho doors of business premises were closed, just before 11 o’clock in preparation for the observance. In Parliament. Armistice Day anniversary was appropriately observed by parliament. As had been arranged tho previous day, thd> members assembled at. 10.55 and prayers were read. The members then waited until just at the hour the Speaker struck his bell, everybody rose, and the two minutes’ silence was observed. As sn indication of the stillness, the clocks in the town could be heard striking tha hour, as the members stood, silent. The galleries were fairly well occupiejl, and the silence and stillness were remarkable. At the end of the period the members sang “0 God, Our Help in Ages Past,” and then sang the National - Anthem. Afterwards the House adjourned to the usual hour of meeting. IN OTHER-PLACES * By Teleerapn — rreaa Association. Christchurch, November 11. Armistice Day was observed with fitting solemnity. At the Cathedral Lord Jellico© and staff attended, and all movement stopped for two minutes’ silence. Greymouth, November 11. For Armistice Day there was no official ceremony. The two minutes’ silence was generally observed, bells rang muffled peals, and . flags were lowered to half-mast. Dunedin, November. 11. Armistice Day was observed by two minutes’', silence. “The Last Post ’ was sounded at the Town Hall. Auckland, November 11. Armistice Day was observed by a two minutes’ silence, by a parade, of school cadets, and a memorial service at St. Matthew’s Church. The Victoria League placed wreaths on the graves of soldiers. CEREMONY AT "WESTMINSTER ABBEY TABLET ON UNKNOWN WARRIOR’S GRAVE. (Rec. November 11, 9.5 p.m.) London, November 10. The Armistice Day anniversary ceremony at Westminster Abbey will include the unveiling of a tablet hewn from marble found on the field of Waterloo. The inscription beneath this stone is as follows;— “Here rests the body of a Bntish warrior, unknown by name or rank, brought from France to be among the most illustrious of the land, and buried here on Armistice Day, 1920, in the presence of His Majesty King George V, his* Ministers of State, the chiefs of his forces, and a vast concourse of the nation. Thus are commemorated the many multitudes, who, during tho Great War, 1914-1918, gave the most man 'can give—life itself —for God, for King, for country, for loved ones, home, and Empire, and for the sacred cause of justice and the freedom of the world, fl'hey buried him among the kings because he had done good towards God and towards his House.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. $ AUSTRALIA (Rec. November 11, 19 p.m.) Sydney, November 11. Armistice Day was celebrated throughout the Commonwealth by parades of troops and the suspension of all activities for two minutes at 11 o’clock, the crowds in the stroets standing bareheaded. The flags of the American Con sulate were flown at half-mast in lionouc of the interment of the Unknown Soldier at Washington. . In Sydney the day was characterised bv street appeals on behalf of Warriors’ Day, which is seeking ,£50,0M) to settle workless soldiers in employment — Press Assn.